Oh yeah! It's time for yet another story of mine to kick off. This is always the most exciting part of writing! And this time, I've got something new in mind. I usually have a plot and complete storyline in mind when I start writing, but this is gonna be different. Of course the chapters will relatively have to do with one another but you'll get what I mean as the chapters roll out.

This is a spin off story of Deadlocked. If you haven't read that first, I recommend doing so before reading this one. It'll be much more enjoyable that way in my opinion. This is all about Nathan and his time in Blackwatch. Of course there were a few chapters in the original story about this but I don't think I went into as much depth as I could've. Admittedly, the first few chapters were rushed. I didn't really use the plot line to its full potential. I did that because I wanted it to be more about after the fall of Overwatch, and I'm sort of glad I did now. Because now I can have fun with this time in the story, and let loose.

The story is going to be much more lighthearted than the story it came from, and will be about Nathan and his time with Blackwatch and his friends. It adds more depth to his character and his connections with those around him. Although the story will have its angsty moments. Some of them will hit you in the feels. But that's exactly what I love doing in my writing. I love this kind of stuff and I want to just have fun with the story. I've always liked being entertaining rather than serious and action oriented. So it'll have a good bit of comedy and friendship.

I also want to thank everyone who was along for the roller coaster that was Deadlocked. I had a great time writing it, and I hope you all loved reading it. The support I got from it was absolutely astonishing! And once again, if you haven't read it, I encourage you to do so. Or not, I mean it's not perfect.

Well I guess I better get going, and let you read the actual story. I hope you all enjoy, and thank you for reading!

Chapter 1: Ballroom Blitz

"I feel naked without my hat."

I let loose a long and exasperated sigh, gaining the attention of my now annoyed partner, Gabriel Reyes. He sighed as well, folding his arms, his eyes staring daggers at me from underneath his hood. "It'll do you some good to get away from that hat. You and McCree look stupid." He grimaced, showing his pearly white teeth. I rolled my eyes, as he fixed the collar of the tuxedo I wore. "Aww cut me some slack boss, I'm a delinquent. Let me indulge in my own fashionable choices." I mocked him, as I heard another sigh come from behind me, and I turned my neck as far as the tight collar on the tuxedo would tolerate without choking me, finding Genji behind me, his red eyes meeting my blue hues.

"Fine, guess I'm the only one with a sense o' humor." I said, mostly speaking to myself, reminding myself that fact. The cyborg muttered something I couldn't make out, as I straightened the bow tie constricting my neck. He walked away, his patience clearly growing thin. No matter what I said, he always hated me a bit. Sometimes I'd crack a joke and he'd laugh, but never once would he try and have a good time with me. He was always training away, perfecting his skills. Then again, his past wasn't something that would leave much of a resemblance of a sense of humor.

I turned back to Reyes, as he sat down in the seat beside me. We were heading down to our destination, some sort of ball thrown by the richest and most powerful people around. I gritted my teeth a bit, never liking those kinds of gatherings. Always full of snobby, self centered people. Always looking down on the likes of me. Although, admittedly, most people did. I wasn't the greatest of role models.

Coming straight from the infamous Deadlock Gang, I had quite the reputation. I was one of the greatest shots Blackwatch had ever seen, along with Jesse, my best friend who came from the same place. We usually spend our time off together, just screwing around. Too bad he wasn't gonna be my partner on this one. It was a solo mission. I hated solo missions. Lonely, no one to talk too. My mouth would have a hard time staying shut most of the time.

Reyes, my commander, was always a hard ass, taking shit from no one. Not that I would be one to give him anything but a bit of sass, nothing more. I had a bit of a friendship with him. We'd come to know each other over the time I'd been here. Most of the bonding was through missions, where we formed a trust. I liked him. Although he rarely smiled, had rather sadistic tendencies, and had broken four of my bones in my first few weeks with him, I enjoyed him.

"So boss, what all do I gotta do?" I asked, and he looked up at me, his eyes as serious as ever. "You'll be capturing a target for interrogation. He's been a target on our list for months, and now is an opportune time to take him out discreetly." He explained, and I raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah!" I said, snapping my fingers as I remembered the whole briefing on the mission. "Sorry, I fell asleep during that. Captain Amari kept me up all night when we had that firing competition. Close match I really want-"

"You're off track. Focus. This is an important mission. Don't draw any unnecessary attention to yourself, and find the target. He should be reserved in his own quarters at the top of the building. How you handle this is up to you. Just don't fuck up." He advised, and I smirked. "When do I ever boss?"

A sudden stop made me stumble a bit, as I balanced myself out. "That'd be your stop. Genji will accompany you, and be watching your back in case any trouble happens. Keep me updated on your progress." He added, as the hatch in the aircraft opened, as a cool night breeze brushed against the expensive tuxedo. I slicked back my hair once more, stepping off into the night, the ball a good distance away, as I could tell by the bright flashing lights and abundance of expensive cars.

I turned to Gabriel with a look of confusion, as he stood behind me. "Uh boss, why did you land me so far away. It's like a mile away." I inquired, as he only grinned, clearly satisfied with knowing I'd have to walk all the way there and back. Carrying the target all the way back here would be fun. Totally not dangerous or exhausting.

A sigh escaped me, as I ran a hair through my long and now greased up hair. Damn I missed my hat. It was a gift I got from Jesse McCree, my best friend. He got us both those hats after we passed our initiations into Deadlock. I've kept good care of it ever since. It was basically a part of me. A reminder of what I am, and what I'm not. A bandit.

But a god damn handsome bandit for sure.

I walked down the road to the ball, as I could make out the silhouette of Genji on the rooftops, maneuvering over the building with ease. I was jealous of him in a way, but I kept my eyes forward, focusing on the mission. Let's hope this'll be quick.

Soon enough I arrived outside the doors, multiple bouncers and guards surrounding the place. The only entryway I could take was the front door, to not attract suspicion. I fixed my bow tie, handing the bouncer my ticket in, which was undoubtedly taken off of someone who was actually invited. Blackwatch had its ways. And mostly through sheer force and in some cases bribery or murder. Either way we got what we needed. We were here to do the dirty work that came along with Overwatch. And I wasn't above being a janitor to clean up these messes left behind by Overwatch. Although it did get irritating when they took all the credit for our work.

I cleared my head of the distractions, as I entered the ball. And a wave of people and noises and fantastic scents hit me. The smells were either from the overpriced food, or the overpriced cologne and perfumes. It was a welcome change from the smell of blood and sweat that usually filled my nostrils. But this suit would likely be bloodied by this mission if things went wrong. I was used to arriving in a blood stained outfit. Then I'd either drink with friends like Jesse, practice with Ana Amari or Gabriel, or I'd spend time with the woman I'd admittedly fallen for.

Angela Ziegler. The Angel of Overwatch. The most respected and hard working woman I'd ever met. And for good reason. She'd saved countless lives through her medical care or studies, and saved my life on numerous occasions. So who could really blame me for idiotically starting to love her?

She was perfect. A beauty to behold. Everything a man like me could ever dream of having. But of course, she was married to her work, and getting her mind on other things was a difficult task. But when I did succeed in getting some of her time, it was worth it. We were close, probably friends in her book. I wanted more, I'll admit, but I respect her wishes. She was kind to me, and knows me well. I trusted her the moment I met her. Ever since I-

"Nathan! What are you doing?" I was snapped from my train of thought, as I heard Genji in my comms device in my ear. "W-what? I'm fine." I stuttered, as he sighed. "You stood there for a moment, clearly contemplating something. Are you alright?" He asked, and I laughed, gently pushing through the crowds. "Awww, you do care." I teased, and he scoffed. "Just get to work." He ordered, and I chuckled again, making my way up a flight of stairs.

I had more crowds to go through, full of rich and powerful men and women, and even a few omnics. They all wore these outrageous dresses and shirts and pants, all flaunting feathers and fluff I would never understand. Probably made from the finest silks, costing a fortune. My eyes fell upon paradise though. A bar.

I quickly lurked my way over there, pouring myself the finest glass of whiskey I'd ever seen. It was some sort of German drink or something. I shrugged, downing it quickly, feeling the liquid burn my throat. I let out a satisfied sigh, pouring another glass, and downing it just as quick. Then I poured another, and moved quickly away from it before I got carried away. "A pity these fancy glasses are so small." I muttered, walking up another set of stairs. Only two more to go.

I arrived at the top floor, which was all but one hallway, leading to a single room. Most likely the man I was looking for was located inside. I downed the rest of the drink, feeling its effects a bit, as I shook my head, clearing my vision. "Ah that shit hits hard." I groaned, stumbling purposely to get the attention of the two guards at the door.

They soon leaned over me, as one reached a hand out. "Sir, you okay?" He asked, as I let him pull me up. I smiled, before slamming the empty glass into the man's face, as he groaned. Before he could shout, I pulled him by the shirt back to me, head butting him hard. I held my aching head, as the other man charged me. I ducked, using his momentum against him, gripping his arm and slamming him into the floor. I heard his arm snap, as I winced a bit at it. "Ooh, sorry there. Didn't mean to go that hard." I muttered, before knocking him out.

I held my head in pain, grunting. "Ah nobody ever wins a head butt." I scolded myself, moving forward. I stood outside the door, knocking on it. "Come in." I heard. I opened the door, shutting it behind me. The man stepped out of his own personal bathroom, his blonde hair still wet from the shower. His red suit was as sharp as his eyes, and they stared daggers at me and he soon accessed the situation, reacting quickly.

I was faster though. My hand snapped to my gun, and I drew it, aiming it right at him. "Tsk tsk tsk." I waved my finger at him. "We don't want them finding out I'm here do we?" I smiled, as he gulped nervously. "Now take your finger off the button under your desk. I don't want you alerting everyone. After all, I'm not here to kill you."

"You're not?" He asked, and I nodded, smiling. He then pushed the button under his desk, as alarms sounded all over the building, alerting everyone. "Oh you sly bastard." I muttered, chasing after him into the hallways. He was faster than I anticipated.

"What the hell is going on?!" Reyes demanded. I chuckled nervously, scratching the back of my head as I ran after him, pushing through multiple confused women, still trying to digest the situation. "I've got it under control!" I said, firing a shot at his leg, missing. "I'd hate to see it out of control." Genji said, and I growled, tackling a guard that stood between me and the target.

I quickly punched him, his blood staining the white floor below us. A few more punches and he was out. I looked up, as my eyes met my target's own eyes, as I smirked at the fear in them. I stood, about the run after him, before I felt strong hands grip my neck, slamming me into the wall behind me.

I strained, trying to smack his arms back down, but he was too strong. I saw a shuriken graze his cheek, as he fell back, placing a hand over his now bloody cheek. I took the chance to whip out my pistol, firing it into his stomach, as he fell to the floor quickly. "You're welcome." I heard Genji mock me.

"I had him." I grunted, the choking not helping my already tight tuxedo. At least it wasn't bloody. It could be useful later.

Before I could react, I felt a heavy weight smack into the side of me, a large burly man's arms wrapping around my waist as he tackled me. We crashed through the staircase, falling multiple feet to the second floor, and I met it with a loud thud. I gasped for air, the wind knocked out of me, but I felt a leg shoot up, catching me in the ribs as I struggled to stand once more. I rolled back, fumbling with my gun mid roll and firing a round right between his eyes. His skull hit the floor with a sickening splat and crunch.

People tried blocking my way, but I fired a shot up into the air, not hesitating to scare them away. "Don't try and be a hero!" I shouted, then placing my gun back in my holster. They all looked at me with a sudden disgust and horror I was used to recognizing on people's faces. But that's what came with working with Blackwatch and having a past like me. No one ever gave you much respect unless you had a gun. Good thing I was always armed.

Quickly sprinting after the man, pushing past another guard with ease. Man these guys were really just an inconvenience rather than an actual threat. I scanned the room, finding the man stumbling away through the crowds, tripping on his way out the door in such a hurry.

I growled as two guards aimed pistols at me, as they blocked my route to him. I quickly leaned over the railing overlooking the bottom floor, and not thinking about how it could go wrong. I found myself thinking that a lot. Especially when it came to a mission. A quick leap and I was already gone, descending into the crowd before disappearing behind the front door the man escaped from.

"God damnit Parker what is going on?!" I heard an all too familiar enraged voice coming from the comms device, as I couldn't help but smirk. "Ya know me boss. I was never one to follow a plan very often."

"I swear kid one day that attitude is gonna get you killed." He muttered, and I laughed.

"Good thing it's not happening today then."

I turned a sharp corner, leading to an alleyway. "Oooh terrible move man." I said, loudly and distinctly, so he could make it out. "I was born and raised in alleyways." I grinned, hearing the beating of his own heart, as it began to quicken to an unhealthy pace. And I knew, as soon as I heard the fast pitter patter of dress shoes on hard cement, I had him.

Extending my arm out to my right, I clotheslined him as he ran right into it, my arm not budging in the slightest. I heard him groan in pain as he flipped onto the floor in a sudden crash of metal trash cans and paper. "Now where did ya think you were goin'?" I asked, grabbing him by the collar of his neck, bringing him close to my face. He almost looked like he was gonna cry.

His hair was an absolute mess of blonde strands and dust, his cheek already swelling from the hit. I, on the other hand, besides a few scrapes and scratches on the lining of the suit I sported, was in the same condition I arrived in, perfect slick style, not a hair out of place, and a clean, well shaven appearance. If not for my actions and history, I could've passed for respectable businessman. But why in the hell would I want that? Working all day, slaving away to some papers and documents I had no interest in? That's not the life for me.

Not for Nathan Parker, professional pick pocket, robber, sharpshooter, murderer, gunslinger, and assassin. I chose this life. And I damn well fit the shoes required for it.

I could make out the figure of Genji to my left, at the entrance of the alleyway, his silhouette unmistakable. I smiled, showing the man I had in my hands like some cherished prize I won. Like a catch I got on a hunt.

"I told you, under control." I grinned happily, before turning to the man, knocking him out with a quick slam against the hard brick wall behind him. He fell limp in my arms, the weight becoming substantially heavier.

Genji took him in his own arms, lifting him with ease. "We better get him back to Reyes. He's gonna have fun when he wakes up." Genji chuckled a bit, and I snickered at the dark sense of humor he still had attached to him. Like a thread barely hanging on, but still intact. That was what mattered.

"That he is. That he is."

Later, nighttime back at Gibraltar Headquarters...

My feet swung in the cool breeze back and forth like an eager child, as I scooped the soft and cold cream with my spoon into my mouth. I savored the taste, not having had ice cream since I was kid. Back when Jesse and I would grab some of it on our way back from shootouts with other local gang members. Those were the days. An overwhelming sense of nostalgia rushed through me, as I grinned from ear to ear, taking another bite of the ice cream. I sat atop a rooftop, looking at the night sky, taking in the beautiful sights that came with working here at the base.

"You know, this was not what I expected when you said 'something that required my full attention'." I heard the thick Swiss accent come from the one and only Angela Ziegler, who sat to my left, her lab coat still draped upon her shoulders like a gown, her glasses placed in her coat pocket. Her hair was up in a tight pony tail as usual, preventing it from getting in the way of her work. It was odd, the difference in apparel as I still sported the tuxedo from the mission before. I knew it would come in handy somehow. But I had found my hat quickly when I got back, so I felt more comfortable.

"Aww come on, it's ice cream! Who doesn't like ice cream?" I asked, and she smiled. "I never said I didn't enjoy it. Just expected something, fancy from you. You always have been a shameless flirt." She teased, and I blushed slightly, and failing miserably at masking it. "Guilty as charged. Ya can't blame a man for trying to have some ice cream while enjoying a beautiful view..."

"And a beautiful girl." I finished, as now it was her turn to blush. "Really, on a serious note, you don't expect me to have something fancy now do ya? I mean, it's me we're talking about here." I quickly added, to make sure this didn't get too awkward. She laughed, placing a hand on my shoulder. I relished the touch, my eyes snapping to hers. "I believe you are full of surprises, Nate."

"You'd be right." I said, taking another bite of ice cream. "Oh? How so?" She asked, enticing me to tell her. I sighed. "Well, for starters, Jesse and I would do karaoke sometimes. At least when we were horribly drunk." I grinned, reminiscing of all the times we did so. Too many times to count. "Really? I'd love for you to sing me a song!" She exclaimed. "No, you really wouldn't." I replied, placing my hat down beside me for a moment, running a shaky hand through my hair. That had become a nervous habit over the years.

I was surprised when I felt her hand brush against my face, as she tucked a strand of brown tuff behind my ear. Her hands were warm and gentle, despite the cold weather. Her hand was small in mine, as they brushed up against each other for a moment, and I smiled at her. "Flirting with me, Angie?" I smirked, a harmless quip. She almost seemed caught off guard by that, her cheeks flushed as she seemed to stumble over her words. "Simply making sure a Blackwatch member looks his best." She responded.

"Don't I always?" I joked, as we shared a nice, friendly laugh. I couldn't help but get this overwhelming feeling in the pit of my stomach, that rose up to my chest, nearly bursting out. My heartbeat was quick, my hands, for the first time, shaky. I always had steady hands. That's what kept me alive, made me so good with a gun. This was something I didn't like. So why did it feel so good? Why did I crave this feeling?

I directed my gaze below me, looking at the lights illuminating from inside the building. I could make out the vibrations and slight noise of the music inside, as some Overwatch members were celebrating something down there. My memory failed me as to why the celebration was even occurring. Their laughter echoed through the night sky, as I took another bite of ice cream, enjoying the last few tastes of it I could have.

"You didn't go either huh?" I muttered, as she sighed. "Not really my kind of place to be. Too loud. How about you?" She said, and I frowned. "Huh?"

"Why didn't you go? You were invited by Captain Amari herself, and her daughter. Surprisingly enough, you have not attended it. How come?" She asked once more. I shrugged. "Eh I never really liked those things. Always weird, made me feel out of place. Especially since I couldn't dance. Made it real awkward when everyone was supposed to dance."

She gasped, exaggerating her supposed shock. "You, the most flirtatious man I've ever met, don't know how to dance?" She asked, grinning a bit, as she leaned in, our shoulders touching. "I-I never learned how. Believe it or not they don't concern themselves with parties back in Deadlock." I replied, and she stood up. Angela reached a hand out, and I took it, as she pulled me up. I stared at her in curiosity.

I nearly yelped like a frightened dog when she took my hand in hers, bringing it up, grabbing the other one, guiding it to her waist. "W-what are you doing?" I stuttered, as she chuckled. "Teaching you how to dance. If you are to impress a lady, you might want to know how to dance." She smiled. "I-I don't think y-you should dance with me." I responded nervously. "Why not?" She inquired. I opened my mouth to answer that question, but quickly shut it. Why was I even resisting dancing with a woman I loved?

"So, we have this down. One hand on my waist, the other in my hand. My hand rests on the frame of your back." She said, speaking to herself, reciting the steps. I pulled her closer, figuring maybe that was the next step. She gasped a bit, surprised by the sudden movement. She stared up at me for a moment, as I grinned. "Well, then I suppose we just sway with the wind?" I guessed, and she giggled. "Yes, but in other dances, you can add other things." She informed me.

"Ah." I muttered, as I twirled her by the hand she had latched on to mine. "Like that?" I smiled, as she laughed. "You're a natural."

One of her feet went forward, so mine in turn went backwards. It was like we were one. I couldn't quite explain the excitement and joy I felt. I laughed a bit. "Is this the part where I kiss the beautiful girl?" I flirted once more, and she blushed. I felt a shoe stomp into my toe in response. "Gah! Okay okay! Jeez." I yelled in response, as she giggled. "That's for making me blush."

We spent what seemed like forever in each other's arms, going over multiple moves and twirls and spins. Even claps and certain hops in it. We almost seemed like we'd been training for months. I found myself enjoying this, laughing most of the time, as she kept me warm, amidst the cold wind.

I twirled her once more, pulling her close to me, as I felt her lean against me, her eyes meeting mine in a gaze I'd never seen before. Her hand laying upon my chest, her other hand resting on my cheek, as she kept her eyes locked with mine for what seemed like an hour. A mischievous grin met my lips, and before she could react, I placed a leg behind hers, pushing, as I held her in my arms, dipping her. She was in shock at first, before the same grin I wore was on her face as well. Our lips were nearly touching, and I could hear my heart pounding in my chest.

I leaned back up, pulling her with me, as she giggled. "Easy there cowboy, you may actually charm me." She teased, as I scoffed. "Isn't that the point?" I chuckled, my hand resting on her waist. She raised a suggestive eyebrow, before rolling her eyes.

For a moment, we stopped, as she leaned into me. She rested both hands on my chest, and she lay her head in the crook of my neck. I could feel her breath against the back of my spine. "Be careful, Nathan." She said, and I frowned, taken aback by her sudden serious tone and thoughtful words. I tried to laugh it off. "Aren't I always? Angie you know me." I replied, as she leaned back, her eyes meeting mine.

"Yes, I do. And I know you don't exactly take care of yourself on the battlefield. So, do your doctor, and more importantly, friend, a favor, and be careful." She advised. Before I could respond, or open my mouth to retort, she pulled me close by the collar of my tuxedo and kissed my cheek.

A quick and bright blush coated the area her lips touched, but luckily she was leaning into me once more, her head nuzzling up into my neck and she couldn't see how flustered she made me at that very moment. Maybe this was something to come back to, besides some friends and the promise of redemption for making the world a better place than it once was? Holding her in my arms, as we slowly swayed, simply taking in everything. Nothing could motivate me more, to come back in one piece.